How to Make a Diorama for School

Dioramas are one of the most classic options for creating a viewer-friendly school project. Dioramas can be perfect for creating a three-dimensional representation of a part in a book, a philosophical concept, or historical event. Follow this guide below to find out just how you can make the perfect diorama that will help you make the grade.

Things You'll Need

• Shoebox
• Construction paper
• Hot glue
• Paint
• Toothpicks, popsicle sticks, craft material
• Plastic wrap
• Scissors
• Glue
• Rubber band

Instructions

1. Determine the subject matter of your diorama. Decide which scene you would like to create in small, shoebox form. Be creative with what you choose, but be sure it can be a scene easily created in a small space. Do not be afraid to be too abstract, but make it something that the viewer can understand with limited help from you.

2. Draw up a rough sketch. You don’t need to be a great artist, but a sketch will help you layout the contents of your diorama so you can have a better idea of the scene you want to create.

3. Empty out an old shoebox and turn it on its side so the viewer can see inside the box.

4. Paint the inside of the shoebox to be the background of your scene. Or, use construction paper and glue it to the box.

5. Using toothpicks, popsicle sticks and construction paper to create any figures that you would like to put in your diorama.

6. Use hot glue to set your figures in place.

7. Paint or glue on any extra details that will make your diorama more visually satisfying.

8. Do not forget the outside of the box. It may not have your scene, but it can really enhance the quality of your project by giving it a much more complete look. Paint the outside of your box or glue colored paper onto the outside for added quality.

9. To protect your scene, consider covering your open diorama with a piece of clear, plastic wrap. Either glue, tape or wrap a large rubber band around the box to keep the plastic into place.